ATHENS, Ga. - The Georgia volleyball players took time out of the busy schedules to team up with the Oconee County Parks and Recreation Department for a volleyball clinic for local middle school students.

“In the last few weeks, the Georgia volleyball team has been making it a priority to give back to our great Athens community and what better way to give back than to spread our sport to the youth in our area,” Head Coach Lizzy Stemke said. “Our players and staff are so very passionate about volleyball but more importantly we are passionate and thankful all of the self-confidence, discipline, and team work that we learn from our sport.”

The project started last Tuesday, when half of the team volunteered at the clinic with Stemke and Assistant Coach Josh Lauer. The second group of players donated their time on Thursday with Assistant Coach Colleen Bayer and Graduate Assistant Megan Sherman.

"I love to see the excitement and joy that we are able to spread to the young players and their families when we serve in the community,” Lauer said. “It is a great reminder that as members of the Georgia volleyball team, we have been given something very special to share within our community. Nothing beats seeing the young kids running up to our players asking them to help with their serve or passing. It is also very rewarding to watch our players enjoy giving back and staying after to give one more high five. Everybody leaves with a smile and feeling good about the game we all love."

The Bulldogs will soon begin training in preparation for their European tour this summer. During the trip, players will compete in the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Italy. You will be able to follow the team during its European trip online at www.georgiadogs.com and by following Coach Stemke (@coachlstemke) on Twitter.